Articles

Keep Thy Heart With All Diligence

Proverbs is so full of wisdom and understanding. We would do well to study the teachings and let them become a guide to our lives.Many Christians do not heed the teachings from God's word. That is when they get in trouble many times ruining their lives and the lives of others.Among the many things Solomon teaches comes the warning in chapter 4:23,"Keep thy heart with all diligence; for out of it are the issues of life".The heart of man is his inner most being, his thoughts, desires, intents and motives.

What a man thinks is what he will do. Keeping those thoughts congruent with God's word and will is of utmost importance if we are to live the life that is pleasing and profitable to God and to us as well.Solomon continues to warn to keep our mouths and lips under control.

We should have a single eye, placed on that which is right, not looking for something that will lead us astray. Keeping our path straight, not deviating to the right or left but with singleness of purpose to that which is right and good.The dishonesty, greed, lying, and other actions we see so prevalent today in our society would not be a problem if people would know God's word and keep it. When we begin to think about the lives that have been ruined, even lost, because someone was not able to or did not want to live their life for Christ, it is very tragic.Men and women are enticed by the "lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life" and all too often succumb to the temptation. They are willing to forfeit not only their life here, but to become like Esau and forfeit their inheritance to come.

God has given man his only begotten Son that whosoever believes in him would not perish but have everlasting life. He has given him his written word to instruct and guide him through this life. He has given his Holy Spirit to indwell and empower him to be able to overcome this world and the fleshly desires. He has equipped him to be successful in living the life that would please God and be beneficial in the coming kingdom.

Why then are most Christians not living a life that is accordance to God' word and will? They are not instructed in or have forgotten what the word says. They are doing what Jesus warned against. They are asleep and will be caught unawares at his returning.

The day is far spent and the time is drawing near when Jesus will return and establish his kingdom to rule and reign for a thousand years. When that day comes there will be many that will be weeping and wailing and gnashing their teeth because they are going to see the rewards they missed by not living for Jesus in this life.God has called Christians to good works.

He has a purpose and place for each one to occupy. He wants to use them to spread the good news that Jesus saves. He also wants to use them to meet the needs of others, spiritually, materially, and physically.We can fulfill that purpose and hear Jesus say "Well done good and faithful servant" but we must first "Keep our hearts with all diligence"!.

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Warren Adams is a bi-vocational preacher. He has a burden for the lost and the sleeping Christian. He wants to see Christians seeking the will of God in their lives.

He would like to encourage every Christian to determine God's purpose for their life. Once they have determined that purpose then to fulfill it to the best of their ability.http://www.ItsOkToBeRich.